10 Best Pinball Machines to Buy for Ultimate Fun

This article was last updated by on

Pinball is a type of arcade game the player tries to score points by manipulating one or more metal balls. The main objective of the game is to score as many points as the player can. From the 1940s through the 1970s, pinball was banned in Many American cities. The ban stopped due to Roger Sharpe.

In the past, Bally Manufacturing, Gottlieb, Williams Electronics, and Stern Pinball were the top pinball producers.

These coin-operated electronic games were all in rage during the 1970s and 1980s, and the popularity of the pinball machine never did fade away.

Are you a fan of vintage old-school arcade pinball machines and looking for some of the best pinball machines to buy?

Well, you’re at the right place as we have a list for you with some of the best pinball machines to buy of all time and newer ones.

Pinball Machines (Source: Pixel)
Pinball Machines (Source: Pixel)

Now the craze of pinball machines is again being rejuvenated. Likewise, it is slowly becoming popular with the young generation while giving a nostalgic feeling to the other generation.

In general knowledge, the price of a pinball machine is estimated to be $25,000. However, as a point of comparison, brand-new machines start at $5,000 and up, while excellent DMD/solid-state games start at approximately $1,000 on the low end.

So, let’s explore the 10 best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun and magical experiences.

10 Best Pinball Machines to Buy for Ultimate Fun

The pinball machines enlisted here are all made after 1990. Therefore, this is a list of some of the iconic and new ones for ultimate fun.

Let’s give a quick overview of the list before diving into the list.

Pinball Machine Released By Released Date
10. Jurassic Park Stern 2019
 9. Attack from Mars Bally 1995
 8. Funhouse Williams 1990
 7. Theatre of Magic Bally 1995
 6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Stern 2004
 5. Pinbot Williams 1986
 4. Lord of the Rings Stern 2003
 3. The Twilight Zone Bally 1993
 2. The Addam’s Family Bally 1992
 1. Medieval Madness Williams 1997

10. Jurassic Park

  • Height, Width and Depth: 75.5″ X 27″ X 55″

Jurassic Park is a pinball machine inspired by the classic film and was released in 2019. Keith Elwin designed the machine, while Stern Piball Inc. manufactured the machine.

In this game, the players are transported to Isla Nublar. After Dennis Nerby’s computer unleashes chaos, the player’s mission is to rescue the park staff and recapture dinosaurs from the helter-skelter environment.

The game is widely acclaimed to be one of the best-designed pinball machines. In addition, it immerses players in a world of battling dinosaurs in action-packed adventures full of unexpected turns.

Jurassic Park Pinball Machine (Source: Stern Pinball)
Jurassic Park Pinball Machine (Source: Stern Pinball)

The game has three models, The Pro, Premium, and the Limited Edition. All three models contain four multi-balls ranging from three to six balls, three full-sized flippers, four custom ramps, and distinctive hand-drawn art highlighting iconic dinosaurs from the series.

A spinning Newton Ball is featured in the machine as a Jungle Adventure Vehicle target on the middle of the playfield. The missile target hits determine the direction players navigate during gameplay and light the T-Rex modes.

Because of the fun experience, Jurassic Park is popular among pinball enthusiasts and one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.

9. Attack from Mars

  • Height, Width and Depth: 77″ X 29″ X 58″
attack from mars pinball machine (Source: Pinball heaven)
Attack from mars pinball machine (Source: Pinball heaven)

Attack from Mars is the ninth on this rank. This pinball machine is a game released in 1995 under the Bally label by Midway. Brian Eddy designed the game while Lyman Sheats programmed the game.

The machine is one of the only three Williams pinball machines released in the second wave of Zen Studios’ Williams pinball collection. In addition, it is available in the macOS version of Zen Pinball 2, Pinball FX 3, and the Williams Pinball mobile app.

The game revolves around the alien invasion theme, where Martians invade the Earth, and the player has to destroy the Martian fleet.

Next, the player has to save all the citizens of the United States and Europe. After that, the player has to head off to Mars to destroy the Martian empire and conquer Mars.

The artwork in the cabinet really pops out, and the game’s notable features are the dancing Martian figures and strobe light for strobe multi-ball. The pinball machine had a production run of 3,450 units.

The pinball machine contains haptic touch flippers with feedback, pop bumpers, drop targets, a working plunger, light-up back glass, and dual speakers.

Because of the machine’s popularity, Chicago Gaming also made a remade of this machine. Henceforth, it is genuinely a one-of-a-kind digital pinball machine with a guaranteed fun experience.

Online the price of the Attack From Mars Classic Pinball Machine is $7999 and is available with some discount.

George Gomez designed it, and it featured the majority of the original AFM design team. It was the first game to utilize the Pinball 2000 system from Williams.

8. Funhouse

  • Height, Width and Depth: 76″ X 29″ X 56″

The Funhouse pinball machine was released in 1990, a funhouse-themed table by Williams. Pat Lawlor designed the game, and it is one of the last games to use an alphanumeric display by the Williams games.

The machine had a production run of approximately 10,750 units. The funhouse is themed after an amusement park funhouse concept. The game’s main star, Rudy, a ventriloquist dummy head, is located near the upper-right corner of the playfield.

The dummy head responds and talks when a player shoots the ball in his mouth. Moreover, the dummy’s eyes follow the ball around the playfield when targets are hit. Ed Boon is the voice of Rudy, who is also a creator of Mortal Combat.

william-funhouse-pinball-machine
Funhouse pinball machine by William Electronics (Source: Wikimedia.org)

The pinball machine has two or three multi-ball, three flippers, a trapdoor, a frenzy mode, manual plungers, standup targets, and ramps. The Funhouse is one of the most all-time popular classic machines out there.

Although it was released in 1990, the Funhouse pinball machine has genuinely stood up to the test of time. With bright lighting, carnival music, and a dummy that taunts you, Funhouse is one of the best pinball machines to buy.

If one wants to buy Funhouse Pinball Machine by Williams Online it is available at the price of $10999.

7. Theatre of Magic

  • Height, Width and Depth: 77″ X 28″ X 56″
Theatre of Magic (Source: Arcade Classics Australia)
Theatre of Magic (Source: Arcade Classics Australia)

Theatre of Magic is a pinball machine that was released in 1995 and manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Co. Designed by John Popadiuk; this game had a production run of 6,600 units.

The pinball machine is based on the timeless magic theme and features a spinning magnetic box, magic pop-up trunks, elaborate ramps, and a prominent bash toy. The player has to perform eight different magic tricks and complete wizard mode.

The machine has features like two flippers, three pop bumpers; two tigers saw multi-ball, three trunk multi-ball, four trunk multi-ball with vanish lock, rotating trunk with magnet, levitating ball, and so on.

In addition, the notable feature of this machine is that there is a hidden scoop that pops up from the playfield, which releases balls shot into the crate and locks balls for multi-ball, giving a mystery award to the players.

Theatre of Magic is one of the favorites among pinball collectors. It provides the player with one of a kind pinball experience, making it one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.

Credits|

Concept by: John Popadiuk
Design by: John Popadiuk
Art by: Linda Deal (aka Doane)
Dots/Animation by: Brian Morris, Adam Rhine
Mechanics by: Jack Skalon, Ernie Pizarro
Music & Sound by: Dave Zabriskie
Software by: Jeff Johnson

Marketing Slogans|

  • “Enter Into a New Age of Pinball”
  • “It’s Got that Magic Touch.”
  • “It can even make money appear out of thin air.”
  • “Stupendous displays of spellbinding power!”
  • “Amazing acts of enchantment!”

6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

  • Height, Width and Depth: 77″ X 29″ X 58″
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Pinball Machine (Source: K-BID.com)
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Pinball Machine (Source: K-BID.com)

Another pinball machine to add to your list is Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This pinball machine was inspired by “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” books, museums, and exhibitions. Pat Lawlor designed this pinball machine, and Stern Pinball Inc. released the table in 2004.

The game takes the player on a journey with Robert Ripely across seven continents to discover a bizarre world. In addition, it has multi-level rules that make it a fun experience for beginners and expert players.

The game has plenty of unique toys and unbelievable features like a strange idol that commands a powerful force field, a temple full of rewards, a shrunken head that says funny kinds of stuff, and can capture the ball.

Similarly, this pinball machine’s other notable features are three flippers, six pop bumpers, two spinning targets, two slingshots, and six standup targets. Likewise, it also contains two magnets, Vari-target, and two to four multi-ball.

This machine appeals to casual players and expert ones, making it a popular pinball machine choice.

Considered the most complex table designed by the legendary pinball designer Pat Lawlor, this pinball machine will surely be one of your best purchases.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is available in The pinball game room at the price of $7,499.

5. Pin-Bot

  • Height, Width, and Depth: 60″ X 43″ X 43″
Pin Bot machine (Source: mypinballmachine)
Pin Bot machine (Source: mypinballmachine)

On number fifth on our list is the all-time favorite classic pinball machine, the Pin-Bot. The Pin-Bot is a robot from an outer space-themed 1986 arcade pinball machine released by Williams. Python Anghelo and Barry Oursler designed this pinball.

Robots and space themes were all in the rage in the 80s and this pinball machine perfectly matched that trend at the time. Its objective is to visit all planets around the sun.

Pin-bot was a massive success at the time. It was so popular that Williams created two more sequels, Bride of Pin-bot and Jackbot. It had a production run of 12,001 units.

Compared to the pinball machines released at that time, Pin-Bot was totally different and even withstood the competition with video games in the arcade and home console video games.

The machine is like a movie or a video game, and above all, the artwork and design of the table are awe-inspiring. It has a clear mini-playfield, skill shot ramps, and two rows of targets that light a grid of colored lamps on the playfield.

The Pin-Bot machine also features a robot voice that activates during the play. As the players face the multi-level playfield, the voice quotes speeches like “Now I See You” as LED lights lit up.

Pin-Bot is worth adding to the pinball machine collection if anybody wishes to experience the 80’s blast from the past.

4. Lord of the Rings

  • Height, Width and Depth: 76″ X 29″ X 58″
lord of the rings pinball machine (Source: mypinballmachine)
Lord of the rings pinball machine (Source: mypinballmachine)

When we talk about the best pinball machines to buy, we must mention the Lord of the Rings pinball machine released in 2003 by Stern Pinball. George Gomez is the designer of this game, and it is one of the best maximalist late-era table designs.

Based on the series Lord of the Rings, the game had a production run of approximately 5100 units.

Its main objective is to destroy the Ring by lighting up and starting three balls representing one of the trilogy movies. The pinball machine features the highest possible score multiplier in pinball history.

The machine has, like the movie, a million different characters and different modes to keep the player fully engaged. In addition, the playfield consists of many features, miniatures, sound, and music from the movie itself, and the gameplay is intensely varied.

Likewise, the other notable features of this pinball machine are it contains more than two flippers, multi-ball, ramps, target drops, and spinners. As a result, the game is considered to be one of the most challenging pinball games.

Although challenging, the game is a very rewarding one. It is a perfect choice for fans of the franchise, casual players, and experts. This pinball machine is, thus, one of the top pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.

Stern Pinball, Inc. produced the Lord of the Rings Limited Edition pinball machine in December 2009.

3. The Twilight Zone

  • Height, Width and Depth: 77″ X 28″ X 56″
Twilight Zone Pinball Machine (Elite Home Gamerooms.)
Twilight Zone Pinball Machine (Elite Home Gamerooms.)

The Twilight Zone is one of the most exciting and ambitious pinballs of all time. Pat Lawlor is the designer of this wide-body framed pinball machine and was released in 1993 by Bally Manufacturing Co.

The machine is based on a TV series of the same name. It is also one of the best-selling machines, with a production run of 15,235 units. When the machine was released in 1993, it was considered a very innovative table of that time.

The Twilight Zone machine contains many gimmicks hence, the wide-body frame to hold them all in. The game is jam-packed, loud, bright, and challenging.

The notable feature of this machine is four flippers, two ramps, a working 12-hour analog clock, a unique ceramic Powerball for multi-ball play. Similarly, it also contains several magnets on the board to move the ball around.

Therefore, the Twilight Zone is a jam-packed, exciting game to give the players a unique experience. This pinball machine is one of the highest-rated pinball machines and one of the top machines to buy for ultimate fun.

2. The Addam’s Family

  • Height, Width and Depth: 85″ X 28″ X 58″

The second pinball machine on this list is the Addams Family machine. This pinball machine is on every top list of the best pinball machines across the internet and is among the best-selling pinball machine of all time.

This pinball machine was designed by Pat Lawlor and released by Bally Manufacturing Co in 1993. This game is based on the super hit movie of 1991 with the same title had a production run of over 20,000 units.

The table of this pinball is beautiful and cartoony, and it perfectly captures the beloved characters. Its objective is to explore the strange world of the Addams family.

Addams-family-pinball-machine
Addams Family Pinball Machine (Source: Wikimedia.org)

The flow of this game is fascinating. Every shot made by the player gives some reward. Hitting the kit “electric chair” in the center of the playfield lets the player compete for mansion bonuses that will allow the player to score points and, set off goals & score multipliers.

Similarly, the other notable feature of this machine is the four flippers (three regular-sized, 1 “Thing Flips” game-controlled mini-flipper), five bumpers, two ramps, and one kick-out hole. In addition, the table also features a custom speech from Raul Julia and Anjelica Houston.

This game is still popular among pinball connoisseurs despite being released for a decade now. This pinball machine will surely provide the player with ultimate fun and is worth buying.

1. Medieval Madness

  • Height, Width and Depth: 76″ X 29″ X 58″

On the top of the list, we have the pinball machine by Williams, the Medival Madness. The designer of this game is Brian Eddy, and the programmer is Lyman Sheats.

The machine was released in 1997 and had a production run of only 4,016 units. Nevertheless, this game was an immediate critical and popular success. Above all, Medival Madness is widely popular among pinball connoisseurs and novices alike.

The game has the features of an interactive castle, two pop-up trolls, various gameplay goals, and fantastic art. This game takes the player to the middle ages of the 15th century, and the mission is to battle for the kingdom.

The machine’s other features are two flippers, three pop bumpers, two ramps, and an auto plunger. In addition, it also features voice acting by Tina Fey.

Medieval Madness (Source: Wikipedia)
Medieval Madness (Source: Wikipedia)

Furthermore, the table is the feature that prevents failed ramp shots from draining down the middle. In other words, it helps to maintain effortlessness while playing.

Medieval Madness is the original smash-hit pinball machine. Since the production unit was just 4,016 units, the demand for this pinball machine exceeded the supply. Because of its popularity, Chicago Gaming made a remake of this machine.

Medieval Madness is today one of the most collectible and expensive pinball machines. Furthermore, it is the top-rated and most popular pinball machine of all time.

Therefore, this table is no doubt one of the best pinball machines to buy for ultimate fun.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Revenge from Mars 3D
  2. Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure
  3. Tales of Arabian Nights
  4. Blacknight
  5. Elvira’s House of Horror
  6. Star Trek: The Next Generation
  7. Star Wars
  8. Deadpool

Conclusion

These classic pinball games are a surefire way to find new refreshments for those of us who are tired of playing video games and gaming consoles day in and day out.

These pinball machines have stood the test of time and are an all-time favorite of expert pinball fans and beginners. With bright lighting, incredible artwork, and tons of obstacles, these pinball machines will surely give you a fantastic experience.

Boby Rai
Boby Raihttps://playersbio.com/

Boby Rai

Boby Rai is a dedicated writer who specializes in capturing the essence of sporting excellence through his unique lens. As the creative mind behind numerous sports-centric projects, he brings a fresh perspective to the world of athletics, blending insightful commentary with captivating narratives.

Expertise:

Sports Journalism Feature Writing

Highlights

  • Boby's writing transcends conventional boundaries, offering readers a glimpse into the lesser-known stories.
  • His feature articles provide a deep dive into the human side of sports, exploring the emotions, challenges, and aspirations.

Experience

Armed with a passion for sports and a gift for storytelling, Boby has honed his craft through years of immersive experiences in the field. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, he continues to inspire and inform readers through his thought-provoking work.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Latest News